Curran (20-5 MMA, 9-2 BMMA) took a split decision from “Pitbull” Freire (21-2 MMA, 9-2 BMMA) at Bellator 85 18 months ago in his first defense of Bellator’s featherweight title. Freire thought he did enough to win the fight, and obviously one of the judges did, as well.

But Curran retained his belt and sent Freire back into the pack. “Pitbull” has climbed his way back, though, thanks to another tournament win. And after having to wait for Curran to rematch Daniel Straus to get his belt back, now he has a shot at redemption.

Curran, though, has no plans on giving up his title when the two meet in September at Bellator 123, the promotion’s 11th season premiere, which takes place at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn., and airs on Spike TV.

“I’m feeling very confident and very motivated for this fight,” Curran told USA TODAY Sports. “It went to a split decision last time, and I want to make sure that I finish it this time. I don’t want to leave it to the judges’ scorecards.

“Everybody has a weakness, and I’m looking forward to finding that weakness in him and capitalizing on it. (But) it’s definitely going to be a difficult task.”

Check out the video interview above with Curran ahead of the featherweight title fight. Then don’t miss Bellator 123 on Sept. 5.

ALBANY, N.Y. – MMAjunkie is on scene and reporting live from today’s UFC Fight Night 102 event at Times Union Center in Albany, N.Y., which kicks off at 5:45 p.m. ET (2:45 p.m. PT). You can discuss the event here.

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